Saturday, January 26, 2013

The Department of Public Works is organized into several divisions. Each of their sections in the Annual Report will be published separately to allow for better reading.

WATER/SEWER DIVISION

Deacon P. Perrotta, Superintendent

The Water and Sewer Division has had an active fiscal year in “2012”. I would be remiss if I did not start by acknowledging the retirement of Anthony Mucciarone, Director of Operations. Tony a 36 year veteran of the DPW took me under his wing and mentored me for the last two years. His good nature, warm heart and institutional knowledge were essential to the success of the Water and Sewer Department and Public Works in general. Tony’s understated management style always put the water and sewer crews first and established relationships that help solidify the union/management relationship. The majority of the customer requests for service would start by asking for Tony by name, emphasizing his relationship with the community. He will not only be missed as a colleague but as a friend. The staff all wishes you continued good health and a happy retirement.

The Water and Sewer Division is responsible for the supply of water for all purposes to residents, commercial establishments and industries in Franklin, adhering to all State and Federal regulations, and maintains adequate water supply and pressures for fire protection. This Division is also responsible for the collection of wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial sources and transmission of such wastewater to the Charles River Water Pollution Control Facility.

Other responsibilities of the Water and Sewer Division are capital planning, yearly budgeting, ordering and maintaining an adequate inventory of supplies, developing plans and specifications to meet the needs of the Division, including review of plans and specifications prepared by outside consultants.

Total Annual Water Production:
2011 2012
974,042,000 938,145,000

Water/Sewer Personnel
Personnel in this Department consist of a Superintendent, ten man water section, and a five-man sewer section. Also, four summer employees were on board to supplement our regular crews with maintenance duties.

The Department also relies on automation to provide 24 hour supervisory control over both water and sewer facilities. The Department upgraded its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system to provide a more comprehensive and thorough overview of daily operations.

Water/Sewer Statistics
Miles of water mains …………..….160
Number of fire hydrants ………… ±2000
Number of water services ……….. 9608
Miles of gravity sewer ……………. ±110
Miles of force main sewer ……….. ±10
Number of sewer manholes …….. ±2050
Number of sewer connections …… 7300

Water Facilities
Thirteen (13) wells; Six (6) Water Storage Tanks located at (2) Hillside Road, Pleasant Street, Forge Hill, Franklin Industrial Park, and Bald Hill. Eight booster stations located at Bright Hill, Pleasant Street, Franklin Industrial Park, Jefferson Road, Cornwallis, Tanglewood, Washington Street and Susan’s Way. The town also operates a state of the art Micro Filtration treatment plant at Public Works Way.

In addition, the Town of Franklin is in a cooperative program for the operation of monitoring river and pond flow in the Charles River at Medway, Miscoe Brook in Franklin and Kingsbury Pond in Franklin by the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division.

Precipitation
July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 precipitation recorded at the DPW Garage on Public Works Way was averaged for a total of 52.3 inches.

Precipitation July 2011 – June 2012
Month - Inches
July - 2.72
August - 8.23
September - 6.98
October - 7.30
November - 4.57
December - 4.51
January - 3.09
February - 0.60
March - 1.80
April - 4.11
May - 3.93
June - 4.46

Water Pumping Station Operators
Our Pump Station Operators monitor the daily operation of ten (10) water well pumping stations with chemical feed facilities, seven (7) water booster stations and six (6) water storage tanks.

A gauging station, which monitors the flow of the Charles River, is located on Bent Street and at Dix Brook on South Street. Included in the daily operations are the monitoring of chemical feeders and the maintenance of all pumps, electric motors, and standby power supplies. Water pump Station Operators record all daily pumping records and chemicals fed into the water distribution system which are kept on file for submission to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (D.E.P.). This section also samples Franklins’ water for bacteria once a week, for a total of over 65 samples each month. The samples are tested by a state-approved laboratory for reporting to D.E.P. The pH of the water system is monitored daily. Fluoride, which is continuously added to the Town’s water distribution system, is sampled and tested daily to ensure that the amount of fluoride added to the water is within acceptable limits set by the Department of Public Health as mandated by the Center of Disease Control.

I am extremely proud to announce that the Franklin DPW Water Operators were awarded the “2011 Water Fluoridation Quality Award” by the State Public Health Department and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services for their consistent and professional adjustment of the water fluoride content to the optimum level for oral health for 12 consistent months. Consistent, high-quality water fluoridation practice, as demonstrated by the Franklin Water Department, is a safe and effective method to prevent tooth decay, improving the oral health of community residents of all ages. Community water fluoridation has been recognized by the CDC as one of the 10 great public health achievements of our lifetime. Steve Nunnery, Richard Griffin and our newest operator J. P. McNeil were chiefly responsible for this accomplishment.

Water/Sewer Activities:
Project and plan reviews conducted by the Water and Sewer Department included:

Grove Street water main project

E. Central Street water main, and street reconstruction

Wheelock Circle water main

Pyne Circle water main

Phase 3 Sewer construction

Our crews were also responsible for installing over 500 feet of water main on Wheelock Circle replacing a 2 inch water main. This in-house project improved fire protection through the installation of a new fire hydrant. Also water quality issues and water main dependability were greatly improved.

Water and Sewer Maintenance Crew
Water and Sewer Maintenance crews are responsible for the maintenance and repair of all water and sewer infrastructure. The crew’s responsibilities include the maintenance and repair of water mains, water gate valves, water service shut-offs and hydrants. The staff also maintains and repairs gravity sewers, sewer manholes, and sewer easements. The Water and Sewer Maintenance Crew is responsible for maintaining records of location of all existing water and sewer services for private contractors, utility companies, engineering firms, and the general public.

Our crews continued to perform the annual hydrant flushing program to help ensure high quality water and reliable fire hydrants. Our staff in conjunction with the Highway and Grounds crews flushed 1817 fire hydrants. As a result of this flushing program, the maintenance crews repaired seventy-four (74) fire hydrants and replaced four (4). In addition crews repaired four (4) hydrants truck by vehicles.

Our Water and Sewer Maintenance crews are also responsible for the repair of thirteen (13) sewer manholes and the jetting of numerous sewer and drain lines ensuring operability of the drain and sewer system. Crews repaired twenty-two (22) service leaks in conjunction with our leak detection program: eight (8) fire hydrants, one (1) water main ad thirteen (13) water services. Our leak detection program surveys over 166 miles of water main annually. This feat is accomplished using the latest electronic leak detector using audio frequencies created by underground leakage.

Digital leak noise correlators were used when needed to pinpoint leak locations. The survey resulted in finding one leak in approximately every 7.54 miles of main surveyed. Our crews assisted in twenty-nine (29) water service renewals.

Field crews were also instrumental in testing new water mains on East Central St., Old Forge Hill, Pyne Circle, Beech St., Dean College, Winter St. and South St. Testing ensures that water mains were installed properly by pressure testing and water quality is correct by chlorinating and testing mains prior to returning them to normal operation in the distribution system.

Fire flow tests were conducted and supervised in eleven (11) locations throughout town. Fire flow tests are used to determine the available flows in the distribution system under fire fighting conditions. These tests are used by the Office of Insurance Services to determine insurance rates for commercial and residential properties.

Our crews were also responsible for making fifteen (15) trench repairs, thawing out three (3) frozen service pipes. Water and Sewer crews responded to one hundred and fifty (150) service calls and fifteen (15) plugged sewers.

Lastly, and most importantly our crews effectuated six (6) main breaks last year. As expected these events happen at the least opportune times. Late night, early morning; week-ends, during snow storms or below freezing temperatures seem to beckon these emergency situations. In all circumstances our Water and Sewer Maintenance crews answer the bell and perform expletory work under the most severe conditions and complete them in a timely and most importantly safe manner.

Sewer Pump Station Operators
The Sewer Pump Station Operators keep pumping and maintenance records and monitors the daily operations of 23 sewer pump stations, and one (1) storm water lift station. This includes performing maintenance and repair on all sewer pumps, electric motors, air compressors, and standby power supplies to ensure that these facilities are kept in good operating condition.

The Water and Sewer crews were proud in completing the refurbishing of the Milliken Ave. facility to consolidate sewer appurtenances formally stored at different facilities. This reorganization has made repairs easier and more efficient.

The Water and Sewer Department strongly believes in educating its’ work force. The Department holds memberships in the New England Water Works Association, Plymouth County Water Works Association, Mass Water Works Association and the American Water Works Association. All these resources are used to help train and educate our employees.

The Water and Sewer Division provides general and technical assistance to all town departments as part of its normal duties. This year the Water and Sewer Department erected sheds at the Davis Thayer School, Senior Center, Kennedy School, and the Keller Sullivan School. In addition, the Water and Sewer Department hosts the Annual Book Sale in the Water and Sewer Garage. The Water and Sewer Division also works closely with and provides assistance to the Engineering and Highway Departments, including sanding and snow plowing operations.

As a result of a “team effort” demonstrated by all the Water and Sewer Department employees, we are able to provide excellent customer service. Thanks to the Highway and Grounds crews who were instrumental in making our flushing program a success. A special thank you to all the administrative staff for their assistance and support throughout the year. A happy and healthy retirement to Faith Flaherty our Accounts Payable clerk.

Recycling Center permits (stickers) can now be purchased by telephone using Visa or Mastercard only by calling 508-553-5500 during DPW office hours. A sticker and use form will be mailed and can be used after receipt and affixing on vehicle.

Also:

Purchase in person at DPW office - 257 Fisher St. or at Town Clerk’s office – 355 East Central St. or

Purchase at Recycling Center during business hours – 445 Beaver St. Visa/Mastercard or checks accepted.

Are you starting to look for a preschool or kindergarten for the fall? Or do you have a 3 year old that you think could benefit from starting before then? Consider Sunrise Montessori in Franklin.

Sunrise will be having an Open House Saturday, January 26 from 11:00am- 1:00pm. Please stop by to meet the teachers, discuss the program and explore the classrooms. Sunrise has many great program options. They offer half day programs as well as full day programs. They also have the added flexibility of before and after school care for working parents. Stop by and see for yourself!

The MA Budget discussion began in earnest this week with the publication of the Governor's version. The House and Senate will separately draft their versions and all three will ultimately be reconciled before the Governor gets to sign the final budget before June 30. Milford Daily News talked with some of the local community officials to get their viewpoint.

Franklin Town Council Chairman Robert Vallee said he is glad Patrick is seeking to invest in transportation infrastructure and education. Vallee said the education aid would be helpful for Franklin as it is the town’s largest expense.

Valle said he expects Patrick’s plan will likely be embraced by the heavily Democratic Legislature.

"It’s the right thing to do," he said of supporting education and transportation.

U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III toured Dean College on a frigid Friday afternoon and spent some time discussing the merits of an individualized education with the institution’s president, Paula M. Rooney.

Friday, January 25, 2013

The Department of Public Works is organized into several divisions. Each of their sections in the Annual Report will be published separately to allow for better reading.

Engineering Department

During the fiscal year 2012 the Engineering Department managed a very active Capital Improvement Project schedule to the town’s infrastructure. Capital Improvement Projects substantially completed this past year include:

At the end of the fiscal year, the department included the following staff.

William Yadisernia, P.E., Town Engineer

Michael Maglio P.E. Assistant Town Engineer

Warren Groth, Engineering Assistant

William Wenners, Construction Inspector

The Engineering Department has completed construction for the three-storm water treatment system upgrades included in a $131,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The projects include construction of an infiltration basin on Panther Way and upgrades to the existing detention ponds on Lockewood Drive and High Ridge Circle. These storm water retrofits are designed to improve sediment removal, phosphorous nitrogen reduction and will significantly increase groundwater recharge to our drinking water aquifers and will improve base flow to the adjacent streams and rivers.

The Engineering Department completed the design of storm drainage improvements at the intersection of Miller Street and Green Street and at the end of Wyllie Road. These storm drain improvements are part of a DEP and EPA grant. They are designed to improve sediment removal, phosphorous and nitrogen reductions and will significantly increase ground water recharge to our drinking water aquifers.

The Engineering Department has its own experienced Resident Engineer Staff that inspects and monitors Capital Improvement projects resulting in a significant cost savings to the Town of Franklin.

In addition to the listed highlighted public projects, the division was involved in many other projects and provided engineering services to other Town departments, boards, and entities. These services include mapping, surveying, and preparation of conceptual designs, property research, cost estimating, developing charts/graphs, and review of contracts.

The Engineering Department provides technical reviews of all proposed new private commercial projects and residential subdivisions and submits recommendations to the Town Council, Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Board of Appeals.

The Engineering Department conducts preconstruction conferences with commercial and residential developers and provides construction inspections and bond estimates for completion of the work.

One of the important discussion items on the agenda of the Town Council meeting was the presentation by Jim Dacey, the Treasurer/Collector. The Milford Daily News gets around to reporting on that section of the meeting that you read about here already.

"The next treasurer/collector should not be decided by who has the most signs, biggest newspaper ads, and most people standing at the polls during Election Day, handing out trinkets," said James Dacey. "I was elected. That’s how I got the job. But after being here 13 years, I’ve seen the job evolve tremendously."

Most of the towns that surround Franklin appoint their treasurer/collector, Dacey said. He said the towns that do not, tend to have relatively small populations.

At present, the only qualifications to run for treasurer/collector are that the candidate be at least 18 years old and live in Franklin.

The presentation on the Winter Road Treatment or Snow Removal by the DPW at the Town Council meeting can be viewed here. DPW Director Robert Cantorregi and Carlos Rebelo, Highway Superintendent delivered this presentation and answered questions.

Yesterday, the Governor filed his budget proposal for FY 2014. Our new Budget Monitor shows how the Governor's budget would affect core programs in state government, from health care and education to public safety and the environment--including information on tax revenues.

This Budget Monitor expands and updates our analysis of the Governor's major proposals to increase education funding, repair and improve our transportation system, and raise new revenue. It also describes:

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

Capital Projects
The Administrative Division in conjunction with Engineering and the operating divisions develop major capital projects.

The PWED (Public Works Economic Development) portion of the downtown project (Depot, Emmons and Dean Streets was completed in the Fall of 2011. The project provides a glimpse of the type of work planned of the downtown corridor.

The design of the downtown corridor continued throughout the year. The object of this work is to improve traffic flow through the downtown area and create an area that expands pedestrian access and is business friendly. This project will provide two-way traffic on Route 140 and will include the burying of utilities, period lighting, planters, sidewalks, brickwork, curbing and parking improvements in addition to an improved transition with Dean College. A major design milestone, the 25% public hearing was held in June. It is anticipated that this work will commence Summer 2013.

Although there is limited State and Federal funding, design work continues on Pleasant and Lincoln Streets, and survey work was undertaken on Grove Street. The DPW continues to design and construct long-range projects over the next three to four years. Progress on specific capital construction projects is outlined in subsequent portions of this report.

It is important to note, that many of these projects are performed by existing staff members and save significant amounts of money by avoiding the need to contract out these services. The process of planning, designing, permitting and constructing these projects is an arduous task that requires a great level of coordination and cooperation between DPW divisions and other state, municipal and federal departments.

Grant Writing
The Town received a $20,000.00 grant to offset the cost associated with the purchase compactors to increase the recycling rate at the Beaver Street Recycling Center.

Much of the credit for the Town’s success in obtaining highway funding and other grants goes to the Town’s legislative delegation, including Rep. Jim Vallee, Sen. Scott Brown, Sen. Karen Spilka and Congressmen James McGovern.

Permits and Long Range Planning
The Town of Franklin, along with the towns of Bellingham and Milford, were the only three communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts placed under a Residual Designation Authority (RDA) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to mitigate phosphorus loading in the Charles River Basin. It is estimated the Town of Franklin may need to spend upwards of $135 million to implement all the measures that EPA feels would be required to meet phosphorus reductions.

DPW staff members have been working in conjunction with the Towns of Bellingham and Milford, State and Federal officials in conjunction with private land owners and business representatives to oppose this action based upon the unnecessary economic hardship it would create for the community. The EPA has acknowledged our concerns and we continue to wait for a final permit. The Town of Franklin also continues to oppose the implementation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II and pending Phase III Storm Water Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) as required by the EPA. Phase II required the Town to highly regulate and monitor storm water throughout the Town at a
significantly increased cost. Phase III is projected to include increased regulatory requirements and cost even more. The Department will continue to refine and improve adopted regulations and practices to improve the Stormwater in Franklin while minimizing the associated costs.

Long range planning is critical in the area of Public Works and must be accomplished consistently in order to ensure that the Town water, sewer and roadway infrastructure can support the needs of our residents. The Town Master Plan, 1993 Water Distribution System Study, Sewer System Evaluation Study and the Sewer System Master Plan studies have provided detailed and valuable information that is used to steer our construction and capital planning efforts.

In October 2001, the DPW commissioned an update to the 1993 Water System Master Plan. This plan identified approximately $40M in water system needs from which a 20 year, $20 million dollar (20/20) plan was devised for improvements. The 20/20 plan allowed the Town to address the most critical needs identified within the system study. With 20/20 funding executed, the Town Council authorized additional funding for water line replacement and the improvement of roadways on sections of Lincoln, East, West, Daniels, Summer, Lewis, Cresent, Anthony, Carmine Streets and Conlyn Ave. This work will commence next year and is expected to be completed within the next four years.

The DPW has continued to work with both DEP and the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation to facilitate the final closing and capping of the Beaver Street Landfill Site. The Town of Franklin has continued to work with other area Towns and conservation groups towards insuring that regional water supplies are protected.

Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Program
The single stream automated solid waste and recycling program was successfully implemented. This program has been extremely successful in reducing costs, improving recycling rates and providing greater convenience for users. Additional improvements have been made to the Beaver St. Recycling Center by allowing the acceptance of additional recyclable materials.

Hails and Farewells
With all the losses of the previous year, the DPW was able to hire three new employees to work on the “Crew”. They include Mr. Tony Brunetta (Highway), Mr. Jacob Standley (Grounds) and Mr. Derek Adams (Grounds). All three gentlemen were raised in Franklin and have been an excellent addition to the Department. Additionally, Mr. Michael Maglio was hired as the Assistant Town Engineer.

With gains, there are always losses. This year was once again a difficult year for the DPW; many outstanding employees retired or pursued other job opportunities. All these employees were a pleasure to work with and will be sorely missed.

Mr. Antony Mucciarone worked for the Department for over 36 years! Starting as summer help, Tony finished his career as the Deputy Director of Operations. He spend the majority of his time in DPW as the Water and Sewer Superintendent where he was considered a leader in field. I personally cannot thank Tony
enough for all support and mentoring.

“Hollywood!” Ms. Faith Falarity worked for the Town of Franklin for 20 years. She held a myriad of positions in Town working in the Treasurer’s Office, Human Resources and Recreations and finally Public Works and her kindness and wit will be missed by all.

Mr. James Esterbrook, the GIS manager who worked for the Town for almost four years is pursuing career enhancement opportunities in the private sector. His youth and willingness to assist will be greatly missed. I want to thank all of them for their years of service and wish them success in their retirement and/or all future endeavors.

Thanks
As the Director, I as always owe many thanks to my staff that make this whole department work and serve all residents in a timely manner. Everyone is committed to providing extraordinary service to the Town in the most cost-effective manner possible.

The Town Engineer Mr. William Yadisernia, Office Manager Mrs. Linda Feeley, Deputy Director of Operations Mr. Deacon Perrotta, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Mr. Carlos Rebelo, and Engineering Aide Mr. Warren Groth are all dedicated professionals that put in so much extra time and effort to make this Department a success. The Town and I are very fortunate to have such talented individuals
to work with.

I would also like to thank, Paula Juarez, Sandy Wedge, and Lynn Marchand who support the Administration Division. These individuals respond quickly and with courtesy to thousands of requests for assistance and information throughout the year.

Continued thanks go to Mr. Christopher White, the Town’s Solid Waste Coordinator. Even though his position is a part time one, he gives his heart and soul and spends much of his personal time to insure that the solid waste and recycling program is a success.

I would especially like to thank the “Crew” and the mechanics that work out of the DPW garage. These are the ladies and gentlemen that are not always seen but provide the day-to-day services that are all too often taken for granted. They pump, treat and deliver safe drinking water, they care for parks and ball fields, and they maintain the roadways, repair and sustain all Town and School vehicles and handle all our wastes. They are always available, day and night, working long hours to assist in any emergency situation whether it is snow removal, water breaks, sewer backups, wind/lightning storms, flooding and many others. They are all
extremely professional and dedicated to their jobs. I cannot thank them enough.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Last week good Old Ben Franklin had another birthday. Ben was born right here in Massachusetts some 307 years ago this 17th of January at his father's house on Milk Street in Boston. Ben was careful when it came to spending his money. Consequently, by the time of his death in 1790, he was reputed to be the richest man in the United States. In his will, Franklin set up a self perpetuating trust so that he could control his assets for the next 200 years. But even Franklin knew that two centuries were long enough to control his assets after his death. So, he arranged to dispose of his fortune by a final disbursement of it two centuries after his passing.

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan 23 took about 90 minutes to cover the scheduled agenda. They approved the first phase of the capital plan for FY 2013. They added a license for hotels to serve liquor so that existing hotels here in Franklin can do so. The received an update on the snow plowing plan and priorities and had some discussion around the experience some councilors have had in comparison with other communities.

Treasurer/Collector Jim Dacey made a pitch for putting the Treasurer/Collector position back before the voters to have it an appointed position rather than via election (as it is today). He said: "this is not about appointing me for the next term, this is about appointing the next person to this position."

Franklin Treasurer/Collector tools over the years

In this picture, the ledger (small black book on top) is one used in 1877 by the Treasure of Franklin at that time. The larger book (with the red binding) was used by Jim Dacey during 2000 before he switched to Excel spreadsheets. The laptop (on the bottom) is the current tool for the Treasurer as it provides access to the Excel spreadsheets and to the online software used to report Franklin's finances to MA and the IRS

The presentation documents for both the Snow Plan and the Treasurer/Collector will be added as soon as they are available

The details from the meeting can be found in the links below by section of the agenda.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution college student season ticket package is now available for purchase. Available only to students with a valid college ID, college student season ticket holders will receive special benefits including their own section at Revolution home games.
For $99, the 17-game package includes one ticket to every regular-season home game, a limited edition college student season ticket holder adidas t-shirt and the ability to purchase tickets for international games before they go on sale to the general public.Read More

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

State Police and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation are reminding drivers that use of the breakdown lane on Interstate 93/Interstate 95 (Rte. 128) has been discontinued where a new fourth travel lane has opened.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Water works associate, David Allard recognized by his peers
We have two vehicles in the DPW that

Brutus being recognized by the Charles River Water Association
leading the charge on storm water management

Governors budget comes out, will proceed cautiously until things are a little firmer
we do need to fix roads and bridges and fund schools

L. OLD BUSINESS none

M. NEW BUSINESS discussion on appointment of the Treasurer

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS Kelly - condolences to the DiBaggis family

Powderly - anonymous letter regarding smoking, jurisdiction falls under the Board of Health and not the Town Council

Pfeffer - many of us received a letter from resident on Ledge St
Nutting - was out there Saturday, will make temporary repairs when the weather allows, I did not receive the letter until Tuesday but did reply to him today

Bissanti - I have the advantage of googling , it is more expensive and more effective than rock salt

Roy - House budget due in April

O. EXECUTIVE SESSIONNegotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required not needed

Nutting - taking this is phases to cautiously approach the budget situation overall
these are matters of replacing vehicles and fixing roads
$24K taken off from the Library as the Friends of the Library offered to donate that

Powderly - no text books?
Sabolinski - no, due to the changes at the state level, the text book companies haven't quite caught up to what the standards are so we weren't ready to invest in that now. There are a lot of changes coming, all new science standards coming next year. We want to wait and see

2. Resolution 13-02: Appropriation – Sewer Enterprise Capital FY 13
motion to approve, passed 9-0
big item here is to replace the pump filters to keep the swifters out of the works

4. Resolution 13-04: Appropriation – Water Enterprise Water Lines FY 13 motion to approve, passed 9-0
continues the successful program, Brook to Daniels, Lewis St, and we are trying to figure out of we can get the rest of the neighborhood at the same time
the streets all have low ratings, all have old pipes, this is our best estimate of marrying the water work with the road surface work

5. Bylaw Amendment 13-699:Amendment of Service Fee Rates: Administration- 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 9-0
addition of the inn holder all liquor license fee, $3,000
we currently don't have this and at the request of our hotels, vote via roll call, unanimous

Brutus Cantoreggi, Director Public Works and Carlos Rebelo, Highway Superintendent delivered this presentation and answered questions.Note: the presentation doc was added after the meeting

Budgeted for $378 for this year$277K spent thus farsalt distributed at 100%Cost of salt has varied over the yearsSand is a problem when mixed with the salt as it affects our storm water$80 a ton to get rid of, exceeds the DEP standards for MAsalt as a component is in our water system5 truck route vs. 'treating the whole town'$6,810 vs. 23,40035 pieces of equipment on the roadDPW workers cost $1237.50 per hour vs contractors at $7450.00The goal slide is importantaggressive goal to have roads ready 4 hours after snow fall ends!6" snow = $100KReimbursement of $40 for mailboxKelly - you don't live in town so how do you find out how to plow the streetsCantorregi - we have a relationship with the Police, they are on the roads, they'll let us know. I do live in Millis but only 6 miles away. I could live in Franklin and live farther from the officeKelly - how did you do the switch during the last stormCantorregi - sanding trucks are also plows, they tend to come back to refill anyway, they also started out, came back to switch to the plows and while the snow came down a couple of inches in the hour, the trucks went to plow also hitting the road with every other person trying to go somewhereDellorco - it took me 20 minutes to getCantorregi - we didn't scrap, we salted, it was snow to ice to rainDellorco - is there any reason the other towns are better than we areCantorregi - I got be honest, i have never heard that others are better than us. I do err on the side of caution when it comes to spending money. I work with the Police, I work with the Schools. We can set different standard, MassDOT has a higher standard. Will no one ever have an accident, no. One accident is too manyMercer - do you change a priority when schools are going to be open?Cantorregi - no, our priority is the priority, with school is out, then that is huge for us as it takes so many off the roadsBissanti - is that typical for how others work?Cantorregi - yes, Nutting - we have a narrow window of opportunity to make a decision, that is the worse time for us to make a decisionSabolinksi - yes, there is collaboration among the surrounding towns, the last storm the only one delayed was Bellingham. When we spoke there wasn't a lot of snow. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get the message out, the buses are rolling at 6:00 AM. I was driving around to see for myself what the status was. Regionally we all came to the same decision.Bissanti - how do you feel it being your call?Sabolinski - the decision for delaying school has an economically impact on our families. You want to weigh safety but you also need to consider the costs, it can extend the school year.Dellorco - you shouldn't have to drive around?Sabolinski - we have to get in 180 days before the end of the fiscal year, if we get short, we have to look at other options, i.e spring vacation.Bissanti - a delay is not canceling school?Sabolinski - no, a delay is not canceling school.Cantorregi - we wait until there is moisture on the road so when we put the salt out, the snow helps to hold it down. If we use snow blowers, it can pick up a newspaper and clear the shear pin